Chemical and thermal ocular burns: a review of causes, clinical features and management protocol
Keywords:
acid burns, alkali burns, chemical burns, ocular burns, ocular irrigation
Abstract
Chemical and thermal ocular burns are among the most urgent ophthalmic emergencies, often resulting in permanent damage, and in some cases, blindness. These burns are the result of exposure to chemicals or radiant energy (thermal or ultraviolet). The most serious injuries are due to chemical burns by strong acid or bases. The purpose of managing these burns is to eliminate or limit the causative agent from penetrating the ocular structures by irrigation; and, promoting ocular surface healing through medical and surgical intervention. This review presents a current update on the causes of chemical and thermal ocular burns, their clinical features and the importance of appropriate and prompt treatment. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2016; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2015.1085221
Published
2016-03-15
Section
Research Articles
By submitting manuscripts to SAFP, authors of original articles are assigning copyright to the South African Academy of Family Physicians. Copyright of review articles are assigned to the Publisher, Medpharm Publications (Pty) Ltd, unless otherwise specified. Authors may use their own work after publication without written permission, provided they acknowledge the original source. Individuals and academic institutions may freely copy and distribute articles published in SAFP for educational and research purposes without obtaining permission.
